Photography is a dangerous endeavor... - 11/30/06 11:39 AM
The trouble with walking around with a camera in front of your face is it obscures your vision.  If you aren't careful you can walk backwards off mountains, trip over railroad tracks in front of oncoming cars or enrage wild and furious animals that can knock you to the 5th dimension … (20 comments)

Wallpaper or Paint? - 11/30/06 09:39 AM
Decorating tips have never been my forte'.  I leave them to my favorite stagers and/or paid professional decorators.  However, occasionally a client injudiciously asks me for advice.  Based on my past knowledge of what works and what doesn't I usually impart my wisdom from a real estate perspective.  Right or wrong that's … (18 comments)

Let's Compare My Apples to Your Oranges... - 11/30/06 12:47 AM
Foreclosures are a hot topic these days.  Some people say Colorado is #1 in foreclosures, others say it's not so!   Who do we believe and why?
The Denver Business Journal featured a good story on this very topic, "Is Colorado really worst in foreclosures?"   The answer to this question is, "It Depends … (11 comments)

Surprising Stats on the Economic Impact of Culture - 11/29/06 11:25 PM
Visitors to Denver owe thanks to the forward thinking voters in 1988 who approved a one-tenth of one percent sales tax increase to support scientific and cultural facilities within the metro area.  The SCFD  (Scientific & Cultural Facilities District) was created to provide funding to scientific and cultural organizations.   The results … (8 comments)

Real Estate is like golf, its a game for all ages - 11/28/06 12:03 PM
When I was learning how to play golf, I kept hearing how golf was so wonderful, it is a game you can play your entire life. 
This morning I was talking to a good friend in  Boulder, Colorado who thought she would be retired from selling real estate by now.  She's certainly … (19 comments)

The Internet is a Fad...blogging doesn't work. - 11/28/06 10:12 AM
What is all the buzz about blogging?
It is a silly useless method of wasting time.  Realtors are currently taking up blogging on a daily basis. They sit in front of their computers when they should be out listing and selling houses.  They should be out knocking on cold doors and passing … (48 comments)

Was my face red? - 11/27/06 05:05 PM
Sometimes working with buyers that aren't on the same page is challenging.  My buyers were both looking to move, but not into the same house obviously.  Each time I showed them a home, one would like it the other would hate it.
By the third house it became abundantly clear the couple … (24 comments)

Desperation Sales... - 11/25/06 10:56 PM
Desperation salesSales in our market continue at the same pace as last year.  In October we sold 4,133 units.  Last year in October we sold 4,006 units.  Our days on market is longer last year it was 89,65 days but this year it is 102.6 days.
Why the change in days on … (17 comments)

Want A Home Where the Buffalo Roam? - 11/25/06 09:18 PM
Want A Home Where the Buffalo Roam? No problem!  We have 'em!
 In Douglas County, just 21 miles south of downtown Denver , we have homes were buffalo roam, right in the back yard! 
The custom home neighborhood of Buffalo Ridge backs up to Daniels Park, home to a buffalo herd. Daniels Park offers … (16 comments)

You Can't Get There From Here! - 11/24/06 11:35 PM
Ever wonder why things happen the way they do? I am always amazed at certain things.  For instance our new Light Rail line just opened last week.  The service is running well, but...
The Light Rail goes by the Park Meadows Mall.  It's one of the area's most popular malls, people come … (19 comments)

Blogging...going pro? - 11/22/06 11:24 PM
Active Rain has been training some interesting and prolific bloggers.  Some will be interested to know that blogging has become a way of life for some folks...not here on AR, but on The Outside.
I've heard of professional bloggers before, even met one once. Dave Taylor who lives in Boulder was at … (29 comments)

A politician living up to his promise? What's up with that? - 11/22/06 10:14 PM
The election in Denver was a fiasco this month.  New computer voting at centers not precincts led to EXTREMELY long lines, hot tempers and not nearly enough apologies.  Worse yet the dedicated voters who toughed out the wait returned to their cars to find PARKING Tickets for their trouble.
Turn the clock … (11 comments)

Denver burbs town talk...Centennial Airport - 11/21/06 08:21 PM
Denver burbs town talk...Centennial Airport
Located in what we call "City Close" Centennial Airport is tucked away in southeast Arapahoe County.  When it opened in 1967, this location was considered to be far enough away as to not disturb anyone, but close enough to downtown Denver to be very convenient. 
Today Centennial … (6 comments)

Erin Toll, Director of the Colorado Division of Real Estate - 11/21/06 06:58 PM

Marriott Hotel, Lone Tree, Colorado 
In a long anticipated visit, Erin Toll the new Director of the Colorado Division of Real Estate addressed a standing-room only group of WCR members and guests.
Erin who reminded us she is only on the job 10 weeks, is digging in and sorting out the mess she inherited.  … (20 comments)

Denver burbs town talk...exploring Southeast Aurora, Colorado - 11/20/06 11:20 PM
Denver burbs town talk...exploring Southeast Aurora, Colorado Real Estate
Once considered too far away, Southeast Aurora is now more convenient thanks to E-470 the highway around the city's outskirts. The highway had the concept of build it and they will come.  And come they did; developers, builders and merchants have changed the scoop of this high plains dessert into … (15 comments)

Know the nose? Forget the nose. Nobody should nose about the nose. - 11/19/06 08:27 PM
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT...
There has been an on going search for the Reala Stager, Craig Schiller's nose.  It seems it has turned up missing.  Active Rainers have been  looking for it from coast to coast.  It has been spotted in the North Pole, but after extensive questioning, Rudolf was proved innocent of nose … (26 comments)

Relocating to Denver? Ask me about Colorado State Taxes... - 11/18/06 09:13 PM
Prospective transferees come to the Denver metro from all over the world.  I enjoy showing off My City and telling them about the benefits of living in Colorado.
One thing that surprises nearly almost everyone is how cheap our taxes are.  I say almost because the people from New Hampsire and South … (9 comments)

The Largest Soccer Complex in The World...right here in Colorado! - 11/17/06 10:35 PM
Visiting the Mother Turf
Today has been a day of awe and excitment.  My hubby and I took a tour, led by my client of the new Colorado Rapids Stadium.  We learned some amazing facts on our little field trip.
Dick's Sporting Goods has acquired the naming rights of this impressive new … (17 comments)

Attention Seattle...May I have My Credentials Please? - 11/17/06 09:21 PM
London has it's Underground affectionately called "The Tube".  Washington, D.C. has the fabulous Metro. Now Denver has Light Rail!  Today was the ribbon cutting ceremony with all the fun and frills of a big top circus.  The citizens came from all around to park in the new parking garage and be … (17 comments)

Stay OFF MY Turf! - 11/16/06 09:50 PM
Yes, that's my turf!
My assistant accepted a gift for me this week.  It's the coolest, most unusual gift I've ever received from a client.
It's a soccer field, a rather small soccer field in a terrarium.  It's real turf growing turf.  Actually rather fast growing turf.
Hummm, now Janet asked my gift giver, … (34 comments)

What are your odds of selling? - 11/16/06 08:31 AM
Pricing Your Home to Sell...Since the real estate market seems to be getting slow on many fronts, now more than ever it is important price a property right.  Sellers need to have a clear picture of the market and what the competition is selling at (or not!).  Graphic illustrations of the … (35 comments)

How Absorption Rate is figured - 11/14/06 11:09 PM
Knowing your area's Absorption Rate, helps to track trends.  Understanding the market and where it is headed is part of our job as real estate professionals.
Absorption rate is NOT an exact science.  Figuring it is based on the premise that one will be looking for a TREND.  It is advised to consistently do … (49 comments)

Share the Road...sign the petition - 11/13/06 11:56 PM
Colorado Residents Please...
Bicycle Colorado is launching a Share the Road license plate campaign to reinforce that bicycles are welcome on roads. Proceeds from each plate will fund bicycle safety education programs across Colorado. Please follow these two easy steps to help get this license plate approved:ADD YOUR NAME: Sign the petition … (13 comments)

Looking for inspiration - 11/13/06 10:23 PM
Looking for inspiration?
I am a card carrying member of the Denver Zoo.  On days when I have a couple hours to spare, I visit the zoo and watch the animals.  Well actually if the truth be known, I am what is called, Animal Paparazzi.
Don't tell the keepers at the Denver Zoo, … (31 comments)

The Investors are coming, The Investors are coming... - 11/13/06 06:15 PM
 Years ago in a different market, I lamented to an REO manager, "When is the market going to turn around? Will we ever get rid of these foreclosures?"
At the time, his encouraging words fell on very desperate ears.  He said to me, "Prices will continue to drop to a point, when it … (25 comments)

Rent to Own...deal or no deal? - 11/13/06 05:25 PM
Purchasing a home is a big step for anyone who decides to take on the challenge. Making the conscious decision to improve ones future by becoming a homeowner is an admirable thing to do.  Along with this decision comes the responsibility to learn all there is to know about the process of buying … (29 comments)

We are in an economic slump? How can I tell? - 11/11/06 11:15 PM
This morning was spent showing homes to a young couple who are buying their very first home. They are so adorable and want to do everything just right.    I seldom get to work with first timers these days, unless its with the kids of my sphere or referrals from my kids.  … (21 comments)

Home Sale Prices & Absorption Rate - 11/11/06 10:40 PM
 
Each month The Berkshire Group Realtors publish the Denver Metro Area Statistics. We track the number of homes sold, number of homes on the market in the Denver metro areaThe percent in sales price change, along with the current average sales price.Days on Market for the Denver area.Current absorption rate is … (14 comments)

Citywide wireless networks...would you give up your wireless and trust the city???? - 11/11/06 10:14 PM
 
For 10 cities in the Denver metro area this spring should mean a brand new citywide wireless network will be in place.  In a go-around a law effort the Colorado Wireless Communities is getting closer to signing a contract with a provider.
The go-around is due to a 2005 law the state … (13 comments)

Marijuana...is it legal in your town? - 11/11/06 09:48 PM
Last November, that's 2005 the voters in Denver voted to legalize marijuana for persons over 21 and amounts under 1 ounce. Since then the police have been enforcing the Colorado & Federal law that marijuana is NOT legal. In a campaign where the truth turns out to be stranger than fiction, … (25 comments)

Living in Lodo ~ Denver's lower downtown - 11/11/06 12:39 AM
Denver's Hottest Downtown Neighborhood
Lower Downtown aka LODO...
Historic warehouses and factories renovated into luxurious lofts just steps away from restaurants, breweries and galleries comprise the Lodo, lower downtown of Denver, Colorado.
It began with a gold rush, hordes of fortune seekers came to find their fame on the banks of the Cherry Creek … (7 comments)

Denver Real Estate...are you ready to purchase a home? - 11/10/06 11:17 PM
The Best Time to Buy is Now!
The real estate market in the Denver metro region has 31,000 homes and condos on the market.  It could never be a better time to purchase a home, interest rates are low and there are many homes from which to choose.
Learn so you understand the … (7 comments)

High Altitude Cooking ~ Information for Newcomers to Colorado - 11/10/06 10:37 PM
 
Information for Newcomers to Colorado
Newcomers to Colorado high country often feel the effects of the altitude in their lungs.  Running up a flight of stairs will leave even the fittest wheezing for a breath.  It takes a few weeks, but most people will get used to it, so don't despair, it … (13 comments)

RSS Feed for Blackmail...oh no! - 11/06/06 07:38 PM
Last week I blogged about the Blackmail boxes in Denver.  In case you missed it, the mailboxes are actually art.
Since they are located at Denver's Riverfront Park my blog got picked up by someone who subscribes to "Riverfront Park"
I use Google to track my name. Today I got my report, … (18 comments)

How sick is too sick...to ignore the call of duty? - 11/06/06 06:47 PM
Wednesday of last week I opened my mouth to speak, no sound came out.  Voiceless me had multiple appointments that day, all requiring a voice.  No go...  The nasty cold, cough, crud has taken its course this week, with a symptom disappearing as a new one took its place with each … (26 comments)

Time is On Your side.... - 11/04/06 12:25 AM
Working with first time home buyers is fun.  I enjoy helping them find a home that suits their needs. More so I enjoy sharing their excitement of finding a place for the very first time.
The ranks for first time home buyers should be stronger.  So many young people don't realize what … (19 comments)

Mushy facts provide no benefit... - 11/03/06 11:51 PM
A recent article in the Rocky Mountain News discusses the recent controversy in how we measure homes in the Denver metro area. Sometime this past year, MetroList the MLS that services Denver changed the rules on what is included as living space.
Square footage of the above-grade living space shall be specified on the … (24 comments)

How to Add Pictures in Your Blog - 11/03/06 10:21 PM
A picture is worth a thousand words and it certainly enhances a blog.  Pictures get attention and help illustrate a point.  Sometimes pictures have no point, but then some blogs are pointless too!  :)
Before adding a picture, you need to know if it is protected by copyright.  If it doesn't belong … (129 comments)

How to link on Active Rain - 11/03/06 12:21 PM
Linking between blogs is a great way to reference other material that relates to a blog.  Links can be used both in the actual blog of the comments of a blog.  You can link to anything published on the web, that could be on Active Rain or any other page with … (33 comments)

New Study Program ~ Foreclosure Intervention ~ Is it a career Opportunity for you? - 11/03/06 12:26 AM
This evening I attended a Foreclosure Intervention Q & A at the South Metro Denver Association of Realtors.  I wanted to brush up on my Short Sale Skills, which this seminar was about.
I learned about a new certification course being taught By a Mildred Wilkins.  Ms. Wilkins has taught consumers about their rights … (19 comments)

Beaking into Your Consumer's Finances... - 11/02/06 11:36 PM
                                                                                                       The response to my blog on Foreclosure the public perception had a lot of very good comments today.  I am amazed at how many new ideas came out of that blog.  One I would like to discuss is this; As a Realtor, how far should be be checking into a … (14 comments)

Foreclosures...What the Public Perceives - 11/02/06 09:39 AM
 
 Foreclosures...What the Public PerceivesColorado has a high number of foreclosures.  As always it is important to know why this has happened and what we can do to fix it. The Denver Business Journal runs an informal survey of what readers are thinking. I find it rather curious...let me explain.
First an important category … (39 comments)

 
Real Estate Agent: Kristal Kraft  ~ Denver Real Estate (The Berkshire Group Realtors)
Kristal Kraft ~ Denver Real Estate
Denver, CO
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The Berkshire Group Realtors

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Cell Phone: (303) 589-2022
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